Why is the term “diplomate” not used to describe NBCE certificate holders?
The term “DIPLOMATE” as used to describe a National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ (NBCE) certificate holder is not a valid designation or term. This outdated term continues to be widely misused to describe individuals who successfully complete the National Board examinations and subsequently receive an NBCE Certificate of Attainment. In 1982, the NBCE rescinded the “Diplomate” terminology to avoid any misunderstanding of the distinction as it applied to specialty health care councils. Only those individuals who received an NBCE Diplomate certificate issued upon successful completion of Parts I and II through the March 1983 administration may use the term “Diplomate” to describe a credential from the NBCE. Any other use of “Diplomate” in any manner, including advertising or promotional materials, whether intentional or unintentional, is misleading and confusing to the general public and is not permissible. Those who completed Part I and Part II prior to 1983 should indicate, “holds N
